Round Rock’s Permit Portal processes roughly 15,000 permit applications annually, yet many developers still encounter delays because they overlook the city’s integrated one-permit system. The change of use permit process Round Rock requires coordination between the Planning and Development Services department and the Building Inspection Division from day one.
We approach each change of use project by first determining whether existing tenant spaces need simple power reactivation or full construction permits. The Round Rock Code of Ordinances mandates that all relevant subcontractors confirm their assignments in the portal before permit issuance, preventing the common contractor coordination problems that delay commercial projects across Texas municipalities.
Which Permit Applies To A Tenant Space Use Change Without Construction?
The Tenant Change / Clean & Show permit serves tenant spaces requiring only power connection through Oncor. We encounter this permit type frequently when managing commercial tenant improvements where no physical alterations occur to the existing space.
This permit specifically prohibits any remodeling activities. The Building Inspection Division restricts its scope to inspection services that verify electrical safety and occupancy compliance. Interior modifications, exterior work, or structural changes require separate commercial permits through the Round Rock planning review process.
Property owners must provide the complete business name when completing the Add Project Name field in the Permit Portal. The full project address including suite number ensures accurate inspection scheduling. Round Rock requires precise location details to coordinate with Oncor power connection protocols.
We typically budget $50 for the base permit fee when advising clients on tenant space transitions. The City of Round Rock may assess additional Roadway Impact Fees based on municipal policy considerations. These fees depend on traffic generation potential and infrastructure impact assessments that vary by property location and business type.
Once the City issues the permit, we schedule the required inspection through the online portal system. The inspector operates on a no-call policy, requiring property access coordination in advance. We recommend calling the inspector at 8 a.m. on inspection day, providing lockbox codes in the request notes, or ensuring vacant spaces remain unlocked during scheduled inspection windows.
How Do You Apply In The Round Rock Permit Portal?
Start by creating your Permit Portal account at the City of Round Rock’s portal. Once logged in, click the blue Create New Application button in the top right corner. Select the appropriate permit type for your project and add a descriptive project name that identifies your specific application.
Navigate through the Location page by locating your project address using either the map interface or the search function. The system allows you to select the correct address from the results. If your address doesn’t appear, use the “I cannot find my location using the map” tool to manually enter the address details.
Complete the People section by filling out required information for yourself as the applicant and any other relevant roles in your project. The portal includes an “Add My Info” button that automatically populates fields with your account information to save time during the application process.
Adding Contractors And Application Details
Include contractors through the Contractors page if your project requires their involvement. Search for your contractor in the system and click the Add button to include them in your application. Contractors not listed in the system must submit a contractor registration application before you can add them to your project.
Fill out the Application Details page with specific information required for your permit type. Each permit category has different requirements, so review all fields carefully. After completing these details, proceed to upload any required documents, plans, or supporting materials using the Upload Files section.
The portal accepts document uploads through drag-and-drop functionality or by clicking Browse to select files from your computer. Ensure all required documents are uploaded before moving to the final step, which requires agreeing to the Terms & Conditions before submitting your application.
Payment And Tracking Process
After submission, navigate to the My Fees tab on your dashboard to complete payment. The portal accepts E-Check, Visa, or Mastercard payments online. You can also pay by check at the City office located at 301 W Bagdad Ave, Suite 100, Round Rock, TX 78664, making checks payable to the City of Round Rock with your case number noted.
Track your application progress through the My Applications tab, which displays all submitted applications and their current status. This section allows you to communicate with City staff through the Comments section and upload additional documents or revisions as needed during the review process.
Request inspections using the calendar icon next to your permit in My Applications. Select your inspection type, preferred date, and add any special notes or access instructions. Inspections must be requested by 4 p.m. for the next business day, and the City conducts inspections Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Support And Assistance
For technical assistance with the Permit Portal or Building Inspections Services questions, contact the department at 512-218-5550 or email buildingpermits@roundrocktexas.gov. Planning and Development Services provides support for permits requiring their review at 512-218-5428 or permithelp@roundrocktexas.gov.
The City recommends waiting up to four hours if you don’t receive account creation or password reset emails immediately. Check your spam folder and ensure your organization’s IT department has whitelisted emails from @roundrocktexas.gov to prevent delivery issues with portal communications.
What Review Times, Fees, And Issuance Steps Should You Expect?
Understanding the timeline and financial requirements helps us plan commercial projects effectively. Review periods fluctuate based on permit complexity and the Round Rock Building Inspection Division’s current workload.
The standard review timeline for commercial permits spans approximately 30 business days after acceptance. However, simpler projects like generator installations, solar panels, or foundation repairs typically complete review within 3 to 5 business days. We monitor application status through the portal’s tracking system and upload any requested revisions promptly to maintain project momentum.
Permit issuance occurs only after meeting specific conditions. All reviewer comments must be addressed and resolved. Every review discipline must complete their evaluation and provide approval. Additionally, all general contractors and subcontractors listed in the application must confirm their assignment through the portal system before the City releases the permit.
Commercial permit fees in Round Rock follow a valuation-based structure according to the City’s established fee chart. Project valuation determines the base cost, with additional fees for specialized reviews or multiple trade permits. We factor these costs into our project budgets during the planning phase to avoid surprises.
Inspection scheduling requires advance planning through the portal system. Requests must be submitted by 4 p.m. for next business day consideration, though availability depends on inspector schedules and cannot be guaranteed. The Round Rock Building Inspection Division conducts inspections Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Re-inspection fees apply when initial inspections identify code violations or incomplete work. We coordinate closely with our subcontractors to ensure readiness before scheduling inspections, minimizing delays and additional costs. The My Inspections portal feature allows real-time tracking of inspection status and results.
Revision submissions through the portal system can extend the original timeline. We prepare complete documentation packages during initial submissions to reduce the likelihood of revision requests. When changes become necessary, we address all comments comprehensively rather than piecemeal responses that could trigger multiple review cycles.
When Do Other Approvals Affect A Change Of Use?
Certain property uses trigger additional review requirements beyond the standard Round Rock permit process. Food service establishments face the most extensive outside oversight, requiring plan review and permits from the Williamson County and Cities Health District before operations can begin. This requirement applies to restaurants, bars, convenience stores with food service, and day care facilities that serve food.
Properties designated with Historic Overlay Zoning must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness before we can issue any building permit. The Historic Preservation Commission reviews all exterior changes to ensure compliance with design guidelines that preserve the historic character of designated properties. This approval process runs parallel to the standard permit review and must be completed first.
Transportation-related modifications require coordination with the City’s Transportation Division. When a use change involves new curb cuts, driveway modifications, or parking lot alterations, contact the Transportation Division at 512-218-7044 before submitting building permit applications. These infrastructure changes often require separate permits and engineering review.
Storage facilities with racks 8 feet or higher trigger additional fire safety requirements under IFC 3201.3. High-piled storage operations require an Occupancy Classification Letter from a Fire Protection Engineer and may need NFPA 13 owner’s certificates. The Round Rock Fire Department reviews these specialized storage configurations to ensure proper fire suppression systems and egress paths meet code requirements.
Conclusion And Next Steps
The change of use permit process in Round Rock follows a clear pathway through the City’s integrated systems. We identify the right permit type based on your project scope and coordinate with Planning and Development Services to ensure code compliance from the outset. The Tenant Change / Clean & Show permit handles power-only inspections efficiently, while more complex projects require additional commercial permits and specialized reviews.
Our approach emphasizes early planning and systematic execution through the Permit Portal. We build review timelines into project schedules, coordinate subcontractor confirmations well before permit issuance, and manage inspection scheduling to avoid delays. For food service operations, historic properties, or transportation-related changes, we secure external approvals first to prevent workflow interruptions.
Ready to navigate Round Rock’s change of use permit requirements? Contact EB3 Construction for expert guidance through every step of your commercial project.
